Jurgen Klopp named Roberto Firmino as Liverpool captain for their Premier League clash against West Brom because he is the longest-serving first team player in the starting XI.
The Brazilian led the Reds out at the Hawthorns with Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Virgil van Dik and Gini Wijnaldum all missing from the line-up.
Klopp revealed that when those four are not available, he will hand the captain's armband to the player who has been in the first team for the longest time.
And on this occasion, it was Firmino, who has been at the Anfield club since 2015.
It's a decision that might upset Mo Salah once again who was "very disappointed" that he missed out on the milestone when Trent Alexander-Arnold was named skipper for Liverpool 's Champions League game with FC Midtjylland back in December.
Klopp explained the system in place at the time, saying: "In this world, we make a big fuss about everything, and I didn’t realise it was that much a story for Trent or whatever.
"The rule here is, we have a players’ committee. Hendo (Henderson) wears the armband, and if he’s not playing then it’s Milly (James Milner).
"If those two are not playing then it’s Virgil (van Dijk) and if all three are not playing, it’s Gini (Wijnaldum).
“If they all cannot play, then it’s usually the player who is longest at the club. And that was how I saw it in my understanding. Trent (Alexander-Arnold) got it because he was longest at the club – professionally, not just his youth career."
Salah admitted he was frustrated by Klopp's decision, but respects that it was ultimately his call.
He said: "Honestly, I was very disappointed. I was hoping to be the captain, but it’s a coach’s decision. I accept it."
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